Baked eggnog French toast should be prepared the night before allowing the eggnog to absorb into the bread. The topping of apples and apricots can also be made in advance. (Photo by Betty Rosbottom)
By BETTY ROSBOTTOM
One of the challenges for many cooks is figuring out what to serve overnight company for New Year’s Day breakfast or brunch. A dish that is simple to prepare, that can be assembled in advance, and that delivers a bit of dazzle would be perfect. Baked Eggnog French Toast with Apples and Apricots is such an all-in-one morning entree.
A friend who loves to entertain sent me the recipe, which I tweaked slightly. Slices from a crusty peasant loaf are arranged in a baking dish, covered with eggnog, then refrigerated overnight. For the topping, sliced apples and diced dried apricots are quickly sauteed in a mixture of melted butter, brown sugar and cinnamon.
At baking time, the fruits are spooned over the soaked bread slices, and chopped walnuts are sprinkled on top. Then this breakfast gratin goes into the oven for about 40 minutes until it is golden brown.
Crispy bacon or sliced ham, fresh juice, plus pots of coffee and tea would make fine sides to serve with this delicious version of French toast.
Baked Eggnog French Toast with Apples and Apricots
Serves 6
Toasts:
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened for greasing pan
1 crusty country or peasant loaf about 41⁄2 inches wide by 10 inches long
4 cups eggnog
Apple and apricot topping:
3 medium Granny Smith apples
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
1⁄2 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3⁄4 cup dried apricots cut into 1⁄2 inch dice
1⁄2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
Butter a 9- by 13-inch baking dish. Cut ends from bread, then cut loaf into 1-inch thick slices. Cut slices in half and arrange them on the bottom of the pan in a single tight layer. (Save ends and any extra slices for another use.) Pour eggnog over the bread. Cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or at least 6 hours.
Arrange a rack at center position and preheat oven to 375°.
For topping, peel, halve, and core apples. Then cut into 1⁄4 inch thick slices.
Heat butter in a large, heavy skillet set over medium heat. When hot, add brown sugar and cinnamon, and stir to combine 1 minute. Add apple slices and cook, stirring often, until slightly softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add apricots and stir and cook 1 minute more. (Apple mixture can be prepared 1 day ahead; cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat before using.)
Remove the baking dish with bread slices from the refrigerator. Remove plastic wrap. Use a metal spatula to turn the bread slices over. Then spoon the apple/apricot mixture evenly over them and sprinkle with the walnuts. Bake uncovered until most of the eggnog mixture has evaporated and bread and apples are golden brown, about 40 minutes.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and cool 5 minutes. Serve warm.
Point Break – A Perfect Bar Experience in NYC
A local friend recommended and took my Cali group to this amazing bar. He said that mostly locals came here so I didn’t really know what to expect ambiance wise… but screw it, the view at this bar was absolutely breathtaking! No joke. I felt like a celebrity w/ superstar treatment as the staff are friendly and amazing to say the very least.
I don’t know who the house DJ was but he definitely was playing music right up my alley. It would’ve been my dream for people to start dancing, but it’s all good.
It’s a bit sceney for my taste, but it really didn’t bother me much. the bartenders knew their stuff, although their 1st cocktail was a little weak, when he saw i understood cocktails the next 2 were stronger. I also liked that even though the place was really hopping the bartender remembered what i was drinking when i came to order another. (he also understood how good a gin hendricks is, and not to overpower it with the mixer). It was amazing to see their “das boot” which is shaped like a boot filled with beer. Don’t get me wrong, I am not drunk…it’s an actual boot shaped beer container ready to be emptied..try it ..you will love it!! Oh..how can I forget, they even have a wheel o’ shots where you just have to spin it and have to drink whatever shot it lands on!! Now call that bar creativity at its best!!!
We ordered the Veal and Fish Tacos. They were delicious. Mm! We ended up asking for spoons to polish off whatever remained in the platter. (Faux pas? Who cares as long as it gets in my tummy.) The fries were crispy, but not overcooked, just the way that I like them.
So take in this scene: You walk in to what seems like an overly crowded place, but soon fine an empty table. Time seems to stop and the only indicator of the night moving on is the moon and your brain cells slowly going to bed forever. The music is not to loud and the people around look good, the only thing left for you to do is to enjoy that drink you paid ridiculously low for and laugh at the joke your co-worker just told.
The vibe of the place just never seems to die out and if you happen to spot some NYC socialite, sports player, or star, don’t let it get to you… because for that moment, this night they are no long more important than then you. In fact go up to them and introduce yourself!
All in all just a great place to meet new people, or just have drinks with people you already know. I’ve been to numerous bars in the city but i would say this place is just great. Very welcoming staff, very laid back ambiance. I’ve been here twice after my first visit with my Cali group . I would say its worth the every penny you spend!!